The scenario unfolded repeatedly. Each time Yuichiro entrusted a task, a persistent reluctance to collaborate surfaced, accompanied by the phrase, "You're the leader." This reminder, rather than fostering teamwork, had an unsettling effect on Levin, emphasizing his leadership role. Takato and Drew's recurrent uncooperative attitudes further complicated the team dynamic, creating challenges in achieving collective goals.
Reflecting on the prevailing issue throughout the night, Levin decided to initiate a conversation with Advin. Arriving at school the next day, he discovered Advin's absence. Three days had elapsed since their altercation, and he hadn't seen Advin since. Opting to seek insights, Levin turned to Max, considering him to be Advin's friend, in the hope of understanding and resolving the situation.

Approaching Max with a concerned expression, Levin inquired, "Hey Max, why isn't Zac coming to school?"
Max's gaze, laden with an enigmatic quality, met Levin's, leaving an unsettling impression.
"I don't know," Max replied curtly, swiftly diverting his attention to engage in gossip with another acquaintance.
Levin rolled his eyes, puzzled by Max's demeanor. Something seemed amiss. Did Max possibly know about the recent fight? The thought lingered. Perhaps Advin had confided in him. Determined to unravel the mystery, Levin decided to venture to Advin's dorm room, seeking answers to the questions that weighed on his mind.

"Levin!" came the call, and even before he turned, he recognized the voice - Risa's unmistakable tone. When he faced her, the discontent reflected in her expression indicated lingering dissatisfaction, a reminder of their recent conversation that played vividly in Levin's mind like a persistent flashback.

"Risa, please, hear me out!" pleaded Levin, his voice reaching her as she strolled along the street. Unyielding, she increased her pace, attempting to distance herself. Undeterred, he hastened to catch up.

"Risa, please!" he implored, aligning his steps with hers.

"Levin, just go! I don't want to talk to you," she snapped, her frustration stemming from his inaction during the incident with Takato and others.

"I'm sorry, Risa," Levin confessed, prompting her to finally halt.

"Sorry? Why apologize to me, Levin? If you truly want to make amends, apologize to Zac," she insisted.

"I did nothing, Risa. Why should I apologize to him?" Levin defended. "Okay, I should've intervened with Takato and others, but you know well enough that I can't stop them."

"Did you even try it?" Risa raised a questioning brow.

Levin admitted, "No."

"See," she remarked, a sarcastic smile playing on her lips. "Enough with the lame excuses, Levin. The point is, you don't see it as wrong at all. You consider it just a casual interaction." Her words carried an undercurrent of anger.

In that moment, Levin grappled with a dual surge of emotions. A faint anger simmered in response to her blame, and a more pronounced feeling of jealousy arose as Risa displayed heightened interest in Zac.

"Tell me, Risa," Levin inquired, studying her face. "Do you like Zac?"

Her face flushed crimson. "Shut up, Levin! It's not like that!" she snapped angrily and walked away.

Levin remained standing there, lingering with doubts about her statement, as the flashback came to a close. Yet, as reality reasserted itself, Levin found himself once again facing Risa, uncertain about the unresolved tensions between them.

Risa approached Levin. He chose not to meet her gaze, instead directing his attention toward another girl.

"Are you mad at me?" Risa inquired politely, aligning her gaze with Levin's.

Her question caught him off guard. "Me? Not me, actually. You seem to harbor anger, assuming I am the bully," Levin remarked, infusing a touch of sarcasm into his tone.

"When did I call you a bully?" she frowned, seemingly disapproving of his words. "Anyways," she continued, "Have you spoken to Advin yet?"

"No," Levin replied.

"I'll talk to him. Let's do it together, Levin," she suggested, and once again, a pang of jealousy pricked Levin.

"Okay," he casually agreed. "We'll meet him after school."

After the final school bell rang, they made their way to Advin's dorm room. As they turned the corner, Lilly stood in front of Advin's room.

"Come on, Zac, could you at least open the door," they overheard her saying. Opting to stay put and observe, Levin and Risa remained at their position.

"Leave," a voice came from inside.

"That's the reason you're lacking in friends. You're quite rude, boy," Lilly pouted.
No reply emerged. She waited briefly, then knocked again. "Zac? Are you in there? I won't budge, so you better unlock the door."
She leaned against the door, exhibiting a sense of clinginess.

The door finally opened. Lilly, almost stumbling, was caught by Advin. Levin's gaze shifted to Risa, her forehead now adorned with a frown.

Advin's exasperation was palpable as he addressed her, "What's bothering you, Lilly?"

A timid smile played on Lilly's lips as she stood up straight, "Well, you've been absent from school, and I thought maybe..."

Cutting her off, Advin's tone dripped with sarcasm, "You thought it was your duty as my guardian to pay me a visit."

Lilly laughed softly, "Zac, you do have a sense of humor."

Rolling his eyes, Advin sighed, "Can you please leave now?"

"Certainly," she giggled, "but first, let me share exciting news. Tomorrow marks my birthday, and a celebration awaits at my residence. You must grace us with your presence. Here's the official invitation." She gracefully retrieved the invitation card from his bag, extending it towards him.

Advin's gaze shifted to the elegant card. "Is there anything else?"It wasn't a genuine inquiry; rather, a subtle hint for Lilly to conclude her conversation and depart.

With a carefree wave, Lilly exclaimed, "Nope, that's all for now. Until we meet again." She darted away, leaving behind an air of anticipation for the upcoming celebration.

Risa scoffed, labeling her an "idiot," her eyes rolling in disdain.
Levin, analyzing Risa's behavior, questioned, "Is jealousy prompting your reaction?"
Her response was a dismissive eye roll, and she ambled toward Advin's room, with Levin trailing behind.

A deep sigh escaped Levin as he approached the door, feeling an unsettling strangeness about facing him. Yet, mustering courage, he dared to knock - not once but twice. The sound of a turning knob reached his ears as the door creaked open. Face to face, Levin and Risa stood before him, met by his narrowed gaze, clearly unprepared for unexpected guests like them.

"May we enter?" Levin inquired, half expecting a refusal.

"Come in," the unexpected response came.
Levin exchanged a glance with Risa, seeking confirmation that they had indeed been invited.
As they stepped inside, Advin graciously made way for them and gestured for them to take a seat. Levin, surveying the room, noted its impeccable order, a stark contrast to his own.
Turning his attention back to Advin, Levin asked, "Do you reside alone in this room?" Advin, standing with arms crossed, responded with a succinct "Yes."
Risa nudged Levin, a silent reminder to get to the point.

Levin averted his gaze as he began, "Um... we came here to apologize to you."

"It's okay," Advin shrugged nonchalantly. He refrained from delving into the specifics of their apology, seemingly uninterested in the details. His lack of inquiry indicated that he already knew the reason for their apology.
An awkward silence settled, leaving Levin at a loss for words. Uncertain about the next topic, he found himself grappling with the weight of the moment.

"Do you harbor hatred for us?" The words escaped Levin's lips almost involuntarily.

Advin's response was measured, "No, hatred is an extreme feeling. I can say I dislike you people, much like how I dislike milk."

Risa exchanged glances between Levin and Advin before inquiring, "Are you really comparing us to milk?"

"You didn't get my point," he countered. "I might be wrong, but I believe feelings like hatred and love are connected to those who hold significance in your life."

Implicitly, he suggested that they lacked importance in his life, equating them to something as ordinary as milk. Levin struggled to comprehend the metaphor, deciding to reserve the question for another day - a day that might or might not arrive in their lives.

Observing Risa, Levin noticed a subtle melancholy, or perhaps he was merely projecting his own uncertainties onto her emotions.

After a prolonged silence, Levin chose to resume the conversation. "I don't know if you're aware, but we are members of the Aurora Sentinels." He retrieved his ID card from his pocket, presenting it to Advin.

Advin briefly glanced at the card and then back at Levin. "I know," he calmly stated.

Undeterred, Levin continued, "We've been searching for Advin Damen for the past few days. Our supervisor informed us that you are Advin." Levin keenly observed Advin's face, yet there was no discernible change in his expressions. Advin seemed unfazed, as if anticipating this conversation.

Advin, with an astute prediction, stated, "Now you want me to join the organization. Or maybe you're here due to some arbitrary order."
The accuracy of Advin's response caught Levin off guard. Risa, equally surprised, mirrored Levin's astonishment.

After a brief pause, Levin added, "Certainly, join us. Regarding those posters on the wall, it was our mistake entirely. We apologize. The organization has no involvement in that."

Advin maintained a thoughtful silence, engrossed in contemplation. The atmosphere held a tense expectancy as they awaited his response.

"I can't join," he eventually stated.

Perplexed, both Levin and Risa questioned in unison, "Why not?"

"I have my reasons," he replied cryptically.

"If you could share, especially if it concerns us, we genuinely apologize," Levin earnestly conveyed.

"You people aren't the reason behind my refusal," Advin clarified. "I apologize, but I cannot disclose the reasons." He averted his gaze.

"Understood," Levin acknowledged, rising from his seat. Risa followed suit.

Before leaving, Levin couldn't resist asking the lingering question that had occupied his mind for the past few days. "Have we encountered each other before?"

Advin scrutinized his face before stating, "No."

Exiting the room, Levin left Advin to his solitude. An inexplicable sense of familiarity lingered after the encounter, or perhaps it was a figment of his imagination. Regardless, Advin's refusal to join the Aurora Sentinels meant Levin had to report back to Yuichiro. He anticipated skepticism from Yuichiro, who likely would say, "You failed to convince him; it's entirely your fault. Try again." Life as a member of the Aurora Sentinels proved to be a challenging ordeal.

☆☆☆

Advin meandered through the bustling shopping plaza, burdened by disquieting thoughts that lingered in his mind. Despite his refusal to join the Oracian Sies, a palpable sense of regret gnawed at him; relinquishing his dreams wasn't an easy feat.
Guided by a somber disposition, he stepped into a shoe store adorned with an array of footwear. Approaching a salesman, he requested to see a pair of sneakers and settled into a seat. Amidst the quiet ambiance of the shop, a flood of old memories resurfaced, casting a shadow on his contemplative mind.

"Zac, come on, make the purchase. The size is just right, and they actually look good. Hurry up," Darrin's tone held a hint of impatience. They had ventured out to purchase sneakers for Zac, and three hours had slipped away without a single purchase. Zac seemed to reject shoes as one might dismiss a marriage proposal.

"Let's call it quits, Darrin. None of them appeal to me," Zac declared after wasting three hours.

"Seriously?" Darrin rolled his eyes.

"They're all uncomfortable, and the quality isn't up to par. Plus, I'm on the lookout for something specific."

Darrin tried on a shoe from the display; it felt comfortable. "Zac, if you keep this up, you'll never make a purchase," Darrin sighed. Zac was engrossed in conversation with the salesman.

"Hey, are you even listening? Next time, count me out."

"We'll see," Zac turned to him, flashing his bright smile.

"Excuse me, Sir." A voice snapped him out of his reverie. The salesman had arrived with the shoes.

"Sure, just bring them to the counter," he instructed.

"Don't you want to inspect them, sir?"

"No."

Completing the transaction at the counter, he stepped outside. Suddenly, a girl bumped into him seemingly out of nowhere.

"Sorry, sorry, sorry. It was my fault," the girl apologized without making eye contact.

His eyes widened with recognition. "Ria," he uttered.

Ria's eyes widened with astonishment as she looked at him. "Zac! Oh my goodness! It's truly you." Tears welled up in her eyes, reflecting a mix of surprise and joy.

"How have you been?" he inquired, shifting his gaze away.

Wiping away the tears with a smile, Ria responded, "I'm fine. Can we catch up for a bit?"

"Of course," he replied in a soft, almost nostalgic tone.

They decided to continue their reunion at a nearby restaurant, where the ambiance exuded a warm glow. The clinking of cutlery and soft murmurs provided a backdrop as they settled in and ordered a variety of delectable dishes, creating the perfect setting for a long-overdue conversation.

"How's Mimi?" Advin initiated the conversation.

"She's doing well. We miss you, Zac. We miss you terribly. That day, we lost two friends, Darrin and Zac," sadness etched across her face. He remained silent.

"By the way, which high school have you enrolled in?" Ria changed the topic.

"Lumina Crest High School."

"That's fantastic! Remember when we used to dream about studying there? I'm thrilled you've achieved one of your goals."

He forced a smile.

"You've transformed so much, Zac. I wish I could have my old, perhaps arrogant, silly friend back," Ria expressed, immediately regretting the words as they led to a prolonged, awkward silence. The waiter then brought their food, and they quietly consumed their meal in contemplative stillness.

As they finished their meal, Ria hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Zac, could we come to visit you? Um, Mimi is eager to meet you too, if that's alright."

"Why would I mind?" Advin responded.

"Alright then, I'll plan a visit to your school with Mimi. I'm genuinely excited to explore that incredible school and meet your new friends," she chirped.

"Friends?" he questioned.

Once again, a quiet pause settled in. The smile faded from Ria's face, leaving a subtle air of melancholy.

"Zac..."

"Hmm."

"Have you visited Darrin's grave yet?"

His response lingered in a thoughtful silence.

"Don't say you haven't, Zac. Darrin was your closest friend. Neglecting him like this is difficult to understand. Skipping the funeral was forgivable somehow, but what's happening now, Zac?" She awaited a response, but he remained tight-lipped, leaving an unspoken tension in the air.

"I'm reaching out to you, Zac. What's going on with you? It's been a year since he passed away, and you... How do you think Darrin would feel?"

"People who have passed away can't feel," he uttered.

"They can feel!" She stood up abruptly. "I can't believe it. You've changed so much, Zac." A solitary tear traced down her cheek"How can forget your best friend? How?"

"I haven't forgotten him!" His voice escalated slightly. Onlookers observed them, but their gaze was disregarded.

"Then why? Why haven't you paid your respects?" Ria questioned as she retook her seat. Zac's response lingered in the unsounded spaces.

"Now it's clear." A note of incredulous disbelief tinted her expression. "You're evading, Zac. Avoiding the cemetery because confronting reality demands courage."
His eyes widened, absorbing the weight of her words.
"You've yet to embrace the painful truth, Zac. Darrin is no more; face the harsh reality," she gently urged.

"Stop it, Ria! You don't understand a thing!" He exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice.

Ria's lips curved into a sarcastic smile, her eyes reflecting a profound understanding. "Oh, indeed I do, Zac. I'm fully aware that our friend wasn't disloyal. He had committed to a promise with Darrin, a pact to live and die together. He had..."

"Enough, Ria," he interjected, his disheveled bangs casting shadows over his troubled eyes. "It's a pleasure to meet you." With that, he rose from his seat, standing in silence for a moment before quietly exiting.

Ria observed him until he disappeared from view. "Forgive me, Zac. This revelation was unfortunately necessary."

☆☆☆

Advin bore the accusations of cowardice from Ria, struggling with the weight of unspoken truths. The memory of the day revelations dawned, restoring a fragment of his past, haunted him.

With unwavering determination, Advin declared, "Ending you is my ultimate purpose in life!" Focusing his entire strength, he unleashed a formidable surge of energy directly at Rayuga. To Advin's dismay, Rayuga made no attempt to dodge, provoking a deep sense of offense. The impact of the attack created a massive explosion.

As the lingering smoke dissipated, Advin was left in disbelief. Rayuga stood tall, unscathed and resolute. The bewilderment set in - how had Rayuga endured Soul Extinction, one of Advin's most potent attacks? The mystery unfolded, leaving Advin to grapple with the unexpected resilience of his adversary.

"Stop bluffing," Rayuga strolled towards Advin, stating, "At your current level, you can't even beat an ant."

In that moment, a sense of wretchedness enveloped Advin as the daunting thought of never defeating Rayuga loomed. The concept of 'impossible' became a stark reality, an unfamiliar word etched into Advin's dictionary by Rayuga that day.

"Special move," Rayuga pronounced with authority, "Dragon Emperor Soaring Bite Strike!" Rayuga's hands radiated with orbs of dark power, forcefully brought together, unleashing a colossal blast of purple energy into the sky. The ground quivered beneath the sudden surge of power. Leaping into the air, Advin found himself confronted by three dragons emerging from the ground, swiftly closing in on him.
Unable to evade their approach, the dragons propelled Advin skyward, several feet above the ground. As he descended, they mercilessly collided with him at high speed, inflicting substantial damage. The impact left Advin's left side almost numb, and attempts to move were futile. The ominous sound of Rayuga's approaching footsteps resonated as Advin's body struggled to respond.

"I believed playing with you would be entertaining. Tch, I was mistaken," Rayuga remarked, seizing Advin's neck and lifting him. "Let's conclude this, shall we?"

"It's not a mere game, you scoundrel!" Advin managed to articulate. Swiftly extracting a kunai from his pocket, he drove it into Rayuga's chest. Rayuga groaned in pain, stepping back. Advin staggered upon landing but maintained his balance. Recognizing this as his final opportunity, he resolved to employ Death Circle without hesitation.
Closing his eyes, Advin focused his energy. "What in the world!" he heard Rayuga exclaim. Opening his eyes, Advin observed a black circle materialize beneath Rayuga. He had successfully established an underground connection, and the same circle appeared beneath his own feet.

Rayuga narrowed his eyes, contemplating the situation for a few seconds before bursting into laughter. "Death Circle, huh? You learned this technique from my father, didn't you? Did he inform you that the user perishes too when utilizing this attack?" Rayuga smirked darkly.

Advin, perplexed, countered, "I don't have any knowledge of your father. What on earth are you talking about?" His confusion lingered, casting a veil of uncertainty over the conversation.

The Death Circle, an illicit technique, held an absolute certainty of the user's demise. Initiating a mystical connection between the user and the chosen counterpart, it surged energy levels to a perilous extreme. As the climax unfolded, echoing the intensity of a bomb blast, both entities succumbed to simultaneous and catastrophic destruction.
Advin, cognizant of the dire consequences, remained indifferent. His singular focus had become the pursuit of Rayuga's demise, and the knowledge that both would meet their end brought a sense of relief. In the pursuit of revenge, the impending shared fate seemed a worthy sacrifice for Advin.

"Rayuga mocked, "You display ignorance, fool. Tell me, who imparted this technique to you?" Advin struggled to recollect, met with Rayuga's sly grin at his confusion.

"It's not your concern," Advin steadied himself, resolved to press on. As he channeled more energy into the circles, their brilliance heightened, and their diameters expanded, accompanied by a mounting pressure on his heart.

Rayuga, despite coughing up blood, resumed his laughter. Rayuga's subsequent words would reshape Advin's life. The Death Circle dissipated, rendering Advin powerless. Rayuga claimed victory that day, not just by crushing Advin's head beneath his feet but also by shattering his pride and ego.
"You've become nothing more than trash. Not even worth the effort of killing. If you have an ounce of shame left, never attempt to rise as a warrior again. Renounce the fight, for it is not your calling," Rayuga declared, delivering words that marked a crucial turning point for Advin. On that day, Advin made a solemn pledge to himself-never to partake in combat again.

Shaking off the burden of unpleasant thoughts, Advin paused to relieve his legs after an extended walk. To his astonishment, he found himself standing by the graveyard, the resting place where his friend lay deep in the earth.

As he contemplated entering, a voice interrupted his solitude. "When one visits a loved one's grave, it's customary to bring flowers." Turning to investigate the source, Advin discovered a figure standing there, a delicate bouquet cradled in their hand.

☆☆☆

Amidst the tranquil setting of the late afternoon, Ayumi persistently dialed Levin's number for the fifth time. "He's not answering," she informed the others.

"If he thinks we'll apologize, he's mistaken," Takato shrugged, exuding an air of nonchalance.

"Takato," Ayumi started, but her gaze shifted as she spotted Levin in the distance. "He's there," she pointed, leading the others towards him.

"Levin," Ayumi approached with determination. Levin, however, rolled his eyes and attempted to leave, only to find Ayumi gently holding his arm. "We're sorry," she said with sincerity.

"Hey, speak for yourself. I'm not even a bit embarrassed," Takato injected defiantly.

"Shut up, Takato," Ayumi reprimanded. "Levin, let's talk to Advin."

"Thanks a lot, but I've already talked to him," Levin's tone still carried a hint of annoyance.

"Really?" May and Dawn spoke in unison, expressing their surprise.

"Leader, you're quite impressive!" Drew teased, a hint of amusement in his voice. Takato couldn't help but wear a smirk.

Ayumi scrutinized Levin. "Don't tell me he agreed."

Levin took a moment before confirming, "He has turned down the offer to join the organization."

"Huh, that's a relief," Ayumi remarked, and a collective sigh echoed among the group.

"I wonder why he made that choice," Drew pondered after a thoughtful pause.

"Isn't it a positive outcome? He realizes there's no place for him in our squad," Takato stated, arms crossed. "By the way, Aurora Sentinels is eager to recruit him. I wonder what makes him so special."

"I know one thing," Ayumi asserted, "it's utterly unfair. He hasn't undergone any tests. If they're recruiting him without it, then he should be in the A-Rank. How can they elevate him to the B-Rank?"

"Yeah, someone needs to protest this injustice," May commented.

"Remember what Yuichiro said earlier? He's more capable than us. If we can be B-Rankers, he can be one too," Dawn attempted to mimic Yuichiro's voice.

"Well, he certainly has some guts," Takato's statement caught everyone off guard.

"Seriously?" Drew stared at him.

"I'm just speaking the truth," Takato shrugged. "Well, it doesn't mean I want him to join our ranks. So, don't worry," he chuckled.

""I'm telling all of you," Ayumi asserted, "if he were to join our squad, Yuichiro would likely ask him to lead the team. And..."

"Come on, Ayumi! Don't speak of such ominous possibilities," Dawn interjected. "He has declined already."

"We'll see," Ayumi responded. "Levin, have you informed Yuichiro about his decision?"

"No," Levin replied.

"Very well. Together, then," Ayumi declared with unyielding determination, leading the group towards Yuichiro to convey the news of Advin's refusal to join the organization.

☆☆☆

"When one visits a loved one's grave, it's customary to bring flowers."

As Advin approached the entrance of the graveyard, a mysterious voice reached his ears, causing him to halt. Turning slowly, he discovered Arashi standing before him, a delicate bouquet cradled in his hand.

"Arashi," Advin uttered in a hushed tone, a subtle surprise flickering in his eyes at the unexpected encounter.

With purposeful strides, Arashi moved past Advin and came to a gentle stop in front of a weathered grave. Tenderly, he laid the bouquet on the tombstone, a silent tribute to someone unknown.
Advin lingered at a distance, absorbing the scene with a mix of curiosity and contemplation.

"Why are you standing there?" Arashi's voice cut through the graveyard's solemn atmosphere, and Advin, still hesitant, finally stepped forward, drawn into the poignant moment that unfolded among the whispers of the resting souls.

Advin maintained a stoic silence, the weight of Ria's words echoing within him. "You lack the courage to confront reality," her voice reverberated, persistently tapping at the door of his mind. Shaking his head ever so slightly, he embarked on a contemplative stroll toward Arashi. As he drew near, a profound shock awaited him as he took in the inscription on the gravestone.

In elegant, somber lettering, the words unfolded:

R.I.P
Derrin Lucas
2001-2018
Loved and Always Remembered

The weight of those lines hung in the air, encapsulating a tale of a life cut short yet eternally cherished.

Tears traced a silent path down Advin's cheeks, a poignant cascade of emotions stirred by the hazy embrace of old memories. Beside him, Arashi stood in stoic silence, a steadfast presence in the midst of Advin's inner turmoil. It took Advin a few tender minutes to gather himself, his voice breaking the stillness with a single word.
"Why?" The question escaped his lips, a whisper that hung in the air, carrying the weight of unspoken queries.
Arashi, comprehending the unvoiced inquiry, acknowledged Advin's silent plea. "Let's have a little chat," he suggested, steering them towards a nearby park. Seated on the soft grass, surrounded by nature's quiet embrace, the two men faced the unspoken complexities that lingered between them.
After an extended silence, Arashi began to unravel the enigma. "Before we begin, I need you to know-I've known you since childhood. I won't complicate things for you," he assured, his gaze focused on a distant horizon. As the revelation unfolded, Arashi dropped a bombshell that demanded Advin's attention.

"I am the apprentice of Simon Damen." The statement hung in the air, capturing Advin's gaze for a brief moment before he averted his eyes, his mind grappling with the unexpected revelation.

"I've glimpsed that little, whimsical, and obstinate six-year-old," Arashi spoke, and Advin recognized the subject of the conversation was undoubtedly himself. "You were quite the handful back then," Arashi continued, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.

Advin, still in the process of recovering his childhood memories, could only recall a few scattered moments. Yet, those fragments painted a vivid picture of a determined and unruly child, a perpetual source of mischief for his family.

Arashi, choosing not to divulge his former aversion, gently reminisced, "Simon Sensei was my beacon of inspiration. His sudden demise left me profoundly shaken-I lost a mentor of immense kindness and warmth." Unspoken beneath Arashi's composed exterior lingered a past resentment, born from a belief that Advin bore responsibility for the teacher's untimely death. However, that animosity had become a distant echo, a chapter of history he opted not to unfold for Advin.

"Let's get to the heart of the matter. Perhaps you're wondering how I recognized you after all these years. Do you recall the day you arrived at the HQ for the entrance exam, and we crossed paths?"

Advin's brows gave a subtle twitch, signaling his intrigue.

"At that moment, I couldn't discern that the boy was you; you had adeptly disguised yourself as someone else. However, a few minutes later, you collapsed. My suspicions were aroused when I glimpsed the home screen wallpaper on your phone. Your eyes-distinctive and unmistakable. To confirm, I checked your contact list, where I had saved your mother's number. I called Darrin afterward, and he must have filled you in on what transpired next."
Pausing for effect, Arashi continued, "A few days later, I met your mother-oh, my mistake, your aunt. When I disclosed my connection with Simon Sensei, she candidly shared every detail about you. That, my friend, is the essence of the story." Arashi fell silent, the weight of their intertwined past lingering in the air.

"Why did you choose to visit Darrin's grave today?" Advin inquired, breaking the prolonged silence, his gaze fixed on a distant point.

"My initial interaction with Darrin didn't go smoothly, but our second meeting revealed his true depth and sensibility. When I disclosed my knowledge about Advin, he willingly shared his thoughts, leading to a remarkably pleasant conversation that day. Learning about his passing was another jarring revelation. Since then, I've made it a habit to come here. Darrin was a remarkably courageous young man, and I hold great respect for him."

"I understand," Advin murmured, absorbing the layers of sentiment woven into Arashi's reflection.

"Let's set aside the past. Allow me to share the tale of a young boy," Arashi proposed, awaiting Advin's response before continuing, "Once upon a time, there existed a spirited young lad named Leon. His passion, diligence, and unwavering determination were his defining traits. With lofty ambitions, he aspired to be the foremost hero, dedicated to serving the people in every conceivable way. Success became a familiar companion to him, driven by his resolute spirit. Simon Damen, his role model, envisioned a promising future for Leon, recognizing the immense potential within him.
However, fate took an unexpected turn. Leon faced a crucial battle, a turning point where victory eluded him. The aftermath shattered his confidence, leading him to abandon the fight. Consumed by the desire for revenge against the murderer of his family, Leon found himself unable to inflict even a scratch upon his adversary. Yet, the cruelest blow came when Leon lost not just the battle but also his own heart."

"I'm aware you're referring to me, so spare Leon's name," Advin sighed deeply, acknowledging the parallel between the narrative and his own experiences.

"You possess keen insight," Arashi remarked with a smile. "Listen, Advin, you mustn't allow Rayuga to realize his plans. Since that day, he has wielded control over you. You need to break free from this figurative prison; otherwise, it could be your undoing."

Advin's face remained impassive, a testament to his skill in concealing emotions. Arashi keenly observed this adept composure and questioned, "Do you comprehend?"

"That's not the sole reason," Advin replied, his voice barely audible, "I can't feign being a hero."

"Pretend?" Arashi's eyes narrowed in confusion. "Why would you say that?"

"I harbor a monster within me," Advin confessed abruptly.

Arashi grasped the gravity of the revelation. "Listen, Advin," he spoke gently, "You must dispel these negative thoughts. The monster resides within you, but you are not the monster. Understand?" Advin lowered his gaze, absorbing Arashi's words with a contemplative silence.

"Advin, your grandfather chose to seal Okami within you because he had faith in your strength. He believed you could bear this burden."

"But I failed," Advin confessed, the weight of disappointment evident in his words. "I..."

"No," Arashi interjected firmly. "You must rise above these negative thoughts. Your commitment to your duty is commendable." He placed a reassuring hand on Advin's shoulder. "Shift your perspective to the positive. Life will transform, I assure you." Arashi rose from his seat. "I eagerly anticipate seeing you at HQ tomorrow."

With those encouraging words, Arashi left, leaving Advin to ponder the wisdom of embracing positivity in the face of internal struggles. As the sun dipped below the horizon, a subtle promise of change lingered in the air, heralding a new chapter in Advin's journey.

☆☆☆